Drying Roses

Photo by Sveta Moskalenko/dreamstime
Drying roses from your garden is a rather simple process. It does however take some practice to find the process that works best for you.
There are a few different ways to dry your roses. Try one method or try them all!
With any method you choose, be sure to choose flowers/and or buds that are in perfect condition. Don't use ones that are flawed with chewed petals, or other imperfections.
The best time to cut the flowers is early morning or late evening.
Cut the roses just before they reach their full bloom.
Air Drying
Cut flowers during the best time of day,strip the leaves from the stems. The leaves retain moisture and slow the drying process. They add nothing to the look of the dried flower.
You can however, add dried Babys Breath, or other flowers or grasses to a dried bouquet.
Learn How
Drying Flowers is as easy as Drying Roses
You can dry single flowers, or small bunches, just use flowers of the same size in the bunch.
Tie the stems with string, cord or ribbon.
Hang upside down in a warm, dark dry place that has good ventilation.
Allow to dry for Two weeks.
When fully dry, spray the flower with hairspray to preserve their color.(if you spray, spray VERY lightly!) Over spraying- wets the flower- and destroys the drying process) The very first roses I dried, I made that mistake)Now I don't spray at all!!
Desiccant Drying
This method involves using Silica Gel.
Silica gel (Silicon Dioxide) is a synthetic solid material, used to draw out moisture.
It is commonly used in packaging. Small packets of it are placed in purses, shoe boxes, etc., to absorb moisture and keep the humidity from affecting the items in the package.
This process of drying roses is best used for flowers that are to be used for decorations, wreaths, and arrangements.
Step #1
Cut roses either early morning or late evening.
Do not uses ones that are wet from rain or dew.
Cut flowers leaving a 1" stem.
Step #2
Put 1/2" Silica Gel in an airtight container.
Step #3
Place Rose Blooms Facing Up. Flowers should not touch the container or other flowers.
Using a plastic container that you can squeeze to control the flow, gently pour the silica around the flower, building it up gradually.
Gently pour into the petals.
Cover with more Silica Crystals, until the whole flower is covered.
Step #4
Seal container tightly. If you're not sure if the seal is air-tight, wrap it with duct tape.
Do not remove lid for 8-10 days.
Step #5
After 8-10 days, carefully pour out the silica from around the bloom. Gently remove remaining crystals with a paintbrush.
Dried Roses when kept in an open vase will last for several years. In a closed glass box or frame, they could last indefinitely.
Silica Gel used for drying roses can be purchased from garden centers or craft shops.
Warning: Keep Away From Children
Read and follow all instructions and cautions on the silica container!
Are you ready to get really creative with your Roses?
Are you Planning a Wedding? (Yours or Someone elses?)
Why not try your hand at creating your own Wedding Flowers!
For very little money, (Wedding flowers will cost Hundreds from the florist) you can learn how to make flower arrangements with flowers from your OWN garden!!
Try your hand at making your own floral centerpieces!
You can save yourself tons of money by making gifts for others,for any occassion. (And your friends and family will be especially touched to recieve something handmade by you!
You can really impress them by turning flowers from your own garden into beautiful centerpieces, wreaths, and many other floral arrangements!!
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Be creative!!
Try Drying Roses, or learn how to arrange flowers!

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